Development and maturation of the spinal cord: implications of molecular and genetic defects

The human central nervous system (CNS) may be the most complex structure in the universe. Its development and appropriate specification into phenotypically and spatially distinct neural subpopulations involves a precisely orchestrated response, with thousands of transcriptional regulators combining with epigenetic controls and specific temporal cues in perfect synchrony. Understandably, our insight into the sophisticated molecular mechanisms which underlie spinal cord development are as yet limited. Even less is known about abnormalities of this process - putative genetic and molecular causes of well-described defects have only begun to emerge in recent years. Nonetheless, modern scientific techniques are beginning to demonstrate common patterns and principles amid the tremendous complexity of spinal cord development and maldevelopment. These advances are important, given that developmental anomalies of the spinal cord are an important cause of mortality and morbidity (Sadler, 2000); it is hoped that research advances will lead to better methods to detect, treat, and prevent these lesions.